The unruly consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak have hamstrung higher education institutions. It also highlighted the importance of digital learning and its influence on students’ academic performance. This study aims to investigate the influence of students’ socio-demographics and their parents’ socioeconomic characteristics on their academic performance during the implementation of the COVID-19 lockdowns using a qualitative approach. In-depth semi-structured interviews with 30 purposively chosen informants were used. The results indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced students’ learning process and academic performance. It revealed that their sociodemographic characteristics and their parents’ socioeconomic status affected their academic achievements during the COVID-19 outbreak. Students have faced numerous challenges during the implementation of the COVID-19 lockdowns, which influenced their academic performance. Higher education institutions must purchase licenced e-learning tools and provide students and professors with digital skills training in order to enhance their teaching, learning, and academic performance.
The paper aims to explore the awareness/knowledge, motives, and implications of moonlighting behavior in the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat. A qualitative approach was the primary source of data collection. Data collection was conducted through an in-depth semi-structured interview with key informants who were purposively selected. Field data were transcribed into a written report and analyzed thematically. It emerged from the study public servants are aware and have knowledge of the phenomenon of moonlighting. The study found that income supplement and retirement planning are the main reason why the majority of public servants engage in moonlighting, although few highlighted the negative implication of the practice. The moonlighting policy at the public service was weak and leniently enforced. Moonlighting behavior affects the performance and delivery of public service. The study conclusion is that moonlighting is pervasive at the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat. The interviewees recommended that the Public Service Commission should enact policy actions to regulate moonlighting practices.
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